My first Photo TR: Branson Parks

OK, this is my first trip report on this site so be gentle with your comments!

This was the last road trip of my summer & my two best friends & I decided to go for the first time to Branson for some Silver Dollar and Celebration City goodness. We left on Friday July 29 & arrived 10 hours later to our campground. Being poor college kids we decided to stay in a tent for the weekend, which turned out great. Total cost of camping for 3 days: $27.82!!! The next day we went to the two Branson parks. One thing I learned on this trip, DON'T GO TO BRANSON ON A SUMMER WEEKEND! It took us about 45 minutes and hour to drive the 4 miles to Silver Dollar City and it was PACKED. You could tell the park was filled above average. The entire day the crowd of people was shoulder to shoulder.

We first did Wildfire which had only a 15 minute wait. This ride was very good. You seem to hang upside down on the inversions more than other B&Ms and the view was awesome. It also gave me my first glimpse of what was yet to come on the right.

Powder Keg! The line for Powder Keg was unfortunately very long. It extended down the hill from the regular building queue and ran along the main path where the parade goes. It was about and hour wait, but well worth it! Powder Keg had the best airtime of any coaster I have ever been on! I couldn't believe it. I don't think my butt was touching the seat the entire time we went over the second hill. It was AWESOME!

Next we did Fire in the Hole. What a fun ride. I understand why Robb and Elissa like it so much! Also, I seemed to be the only one on the train who got SOAKED. At the splashdown finale I got a quick jet of water aimed right at my face!

Then we ate some good ole homestyle barbecue that was delicious. We even got to dine next to family wearing matching camouflage t-shirts.

Next we rode ThuNderaTion backwards. This ride surprised me! It was a very good ride and one of the better Arrow mine trains. Next we walked through Grandpa's Mansion, a crooked house which made on my friends very nauseous. I rode powder Keg once more, rode the river rapids which had an insanely wait and then headed to Celebration City.

I loved Celebration City. It was much more relaxed and less crowded then Silver Dollar. The mid 1900's theme throughout the park was also very consistent and inviting. None of the rides had more than a 15 minute wait. First did Thunderbolt, my first windstorm, a little rough but not two bad, and then I rode Ozark Wildcat! I was SHOCKED. This woodie instantly jumped to my #1 wood coaster. It had great turns and drops that delivered a lot more airtime than you would think. The ride never seemed to slow down as it twisted its way through. One of my favorite parts was two quick ground level bunny hops under the lift before you turn back toward the station. Later we came back and I had the pleasure of riding it again only this time in darkness as the sun had already set. Great Ride!! Then we did the Miler Jack Rabbit and watched the laser/fireworks show. I know most of you reading this aren’t into shows but this was the best laser/fireworks show I have ever seen. I highly recommend you see it.

Overall the two parks were great. They put any Six Flags or Cedar Fair park to shame with their consistent themeing, cleanliness, food, ride quality and overall atmosphere. Even though my visit was hampered a little bit by the insane amount of people I was definitely pleased and will definitely go back in the future.

Here are some pictures. I am sorry the quality is TERRIBLE. This camera broke at CC though so I guess I'll have to get a newer better one in the future.(oh darn!!)

My nauseous friend after she ate barbecue and immediately went of T.N.T and walked through the crooked house.

You might be a redneck if your family wears matching camo t-shirts to an amusement park. We had the pleasure of dining by this family

Buckets the dog and the fire cheif at Fire in the Hole. Apparently you can buy the dog for a cheap price!

The powder keg launch area. um..yeah...it launches

Yay Wildfire. Fun Ride

The first night we took a dam picture at Table Rock Dam

We also drove by Worlds of Scum along to way.

We drove on and ate at a small town park where a group of creepy kids cam and stared at us.

On the way we had to stop and a take a picture of a town that is actally smaller than our own!

Silver Dollar City sounds so much fun. Sorry about the large crowds!

I loved that park! The crowds can get pretty bad! Especially with those condensed paths. IMO, I found ThuNderaTion to be unpleasent. But that was a couple years ago. Also, Blazing Fury is so much better! Glad you had a good time.

I'm happy to see a TR about SDC, it seems like most are East coast, West coast, or Great Lakes coast.

ThuNderaTion was very smooth when it was new, but now the bumps are a real distraction. It's still an outstanding mine train. Wildfire has an awesome first drop, with at least 3-4 seconds of air time. I've always wondered why other beemers don't have straight drops. Powder Keg is a great addition, that first hill is crazy.

The park is very busy on weekends and holidays. One Memorial day weekend, I remember they said there were 50,000 people. It's much different during the week; even in peak season I've seen it with less than 3000.

I've always wondered why other beemers don't have straight drops

Same here! I absolutely loved the first drop on Superman laAttracion de Acero in Madrid. Airtime all the way down. Katun also has a fantastic near-straight drop. The other B&M's I have been on are Batman la Fuga and Nemesis Inferno and the twisting drops arent really that exciting.

Yeah, I agree about the straight drop on Wildfire. This was the first one on a B&M I'd been on too. I was very surprised by how steep it was and the airtime it packed.

Great TR!

I love road trips with friends...well, minus the camping part for me!

Thanks for posting your TR. It looked like you guys had a great time.

As for the creepy kids: With a population of 21, you gotta do something to keep from going insane.

Danny "They're weird, but I shouldn't be talking " Smith

" You might be a redneck if your family wears matching camo t-shirts to an amusement park."

LOL! Great stuff. Nice first Photo TR. Please keep posting them!!!

--Robb